Top Picks from Harrogate 2017

06-Oct-17by Zoe Burke

It’s been a month since The Harrogate Bridal Show - we ask some of the exhibitors to share their success stories

McKinley from Enzoani

THIS IS AN ADVERTISING PROMOTION

Enzoani

Established in 2006, Enzoani now has a total of four labels in their portfolio and a considerable amount of awards in their trophy cabinet. The brand won Manufacturer of the Year again at the 2017 Bridal Buyer Awards, and when you consider the quality of their gowns and the friendly, professional team, it’s no surprise. The brand’s three stand out gowns at The Harrogate Bridal Show were the Marnie, Meredith and McKinley dresses from the Enzoani collection, which retails at between £2,200 - £3,000. The three gorgeous dresses all feature striking lace details and have a sexy edge whilst remaining romantic. This fits in perfectly with the three words the team at Enzoani use to sum up their creations: ‘Romantic, handcrafted, lace’.

Jasmine Collection

Jasmine Bridal has over 32 years of bridal business experience behind them and introduced their American glamour and style to the European market nearly 11 years ago. Their reputation for dramatic beading on sumptuous fabrics (a feature of their gorgeous Couture collection retailing from £1500 to £2,500), affordable romantic designs in modern fabrics (showcased in Collection and retailing from £900 to £1500) and their three trendsetting bridesmaids collections which each target a different market and price from £150 retail to £220.

Collection’s F201004, featuring a bateau neckline, beautiful beaded shoulders and waistband also has a stunning low illusion back. This elegant but simple mermaid silhouette was head and shoulders their best-seller at The Harrogate Bridal Show. Offering retailers’ exclusivity within a 15 mile radius, they can also provide custom body measurements and free custom skirt length changes, no plus size surcharges for bridesmaids which makes them an appealing choice for retailers looking for service and flexibility for their brides. The brand describes their style as ‘relaxed, whimsical and timeless’.

Pollardi Fashion Group

The Daria Karlozi set from Pollardi Fashion Group took The Harrogate Bridal Show by storm this year – it was the best seller for the business, which has been operating for four years. The new collection is light and airy, and retailers can snap up 17 dresses for $3,800. They have 50 stockists in the UK and try to limit this so that there is only one stockist in each are. Describing their style as ‘fashionable, exquisite and elegant’, the Pollardi Fashion Group do all they can to help retailers, including holding stock in the UK for rush orders and offering made to measure options too.

Alexia Designs

US-born Alexia Designs offers glamorous prom dresses, eveningwear, bridesmaid and bridal gowns. The company has over ten years’ experience in the UK and hit it big with its combination of New York style and British elegance. This year the brand sponsored the Best Retailer – England category at this year’s Bridal Buyer Awards, and were finalists themselves for the Best Bridesmaid collection capping yet another successful Harrogate for them.

The team is dedicated to helping and supporting its stockists. It’s important for Alexia to keep a constant online presence, engaging with brides and prom girls and directing them to retailers as much as possible.

With a small inventory of stock held in the UK, rush orders are available on many of their styles, and further overseas proms stock can be shipped from America with a fast turnaround. On top of this, Alexia Designs offers interest-free payment plans (subject to status) to help spread the cost of stock orders, and the company is always happy for stockists to loan samples for designer days and events.

Callista and Chloe Bride

Callista and Chloe Bride of Jai International Inc have been offering beautiful gowns for over 30 years. Committed to creating only the very best stylish garments, these brands consistently offer great support and flattering fits. At The Harrogate Bridal Show this year, visitors were wowed by the fantastic selection of fashion-forward, affordable styles from both labels. Favourites from Chloe included a new collection of slips and over dresses in heavy weight crepe that offer shops a variety of different looks, as well as fine beaded and sequined lace styles with detachable trains and sleeves. At Callista, effort is made to make every bride feel special and the need of its plus-size customers are taken as a starting point. This season saw top options on offer including V-neck and full tulle styles with cap sleeves. As well as presenting brides with the dress of their dreams and offering styles that really fit, Callista also cares for its retailers and always gives a 10-15 mile exclusivity radius.

Rainbow Club

Rainbow Club are celebrating over three decades as leaders in the UK bridal footwear industry, creating trend-led and multi-award winning footwear, which can be custom-dyed to suit any look, and accessories. Their prices range from as little as £25 for shoe clips, up to £225 for the most glamourous of veils, their footwear alone ranges from £33 to £125 They debuted a new collection at Harrogate, with shoe styles Zarah, Ebony and Astrid styles being the most popular, whilst the Billie, Adrianna and Georgia continuity styles proved successful yet again. From their new veil collection the Mallow and Candytuft proved popular, the exquisite lace detailing and luxurious Italian tulle compliment their key footwear stories for the season.

The 2018 collection is truly fashion-forward, featuring edgy block heels, pretty butterfly detailing and cosmic fabrics that are truly out of this world. No matter the budget, there’s something for every bride at Rainbow Club, and with 625 UK stockists already, they’re a popular choice! The brand describes themselves as ‘contemporary, exquisite and playful’ and pride themselves on having something for everyone whilst also ensuring brides are comfortable on their big day with their exclusive Bliss Comfort Cushion technology built in to in every pair of shoes. So whether you’re looking for a trend-led accessory hand-dyed in a bold shade or a more classic option that will stand the test of time, Rainbow Club is your one-stop shop for all your bridal accessory needs.